Elevator pitch

Phil AmmannSeptember 14, 2017

Hurricane Irma: We’re all in this together This publication typically deals with the political and policy issues involving the federal government and how our delegation plays a role. This week, those we elected to represent us in Washington had one issue front and center. We did not need a poll to tell us that Hurricane […]

Phil AmmannSeptember 12, 2017

Ahead of the 2018 midterms, the Republican National Committee has brought on a new political director for Florida. Andrew Brey, who previously served on U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio‘s presidential campaign, has been in the post since July. Brey has also worked for the Republican Party of Florida as field director in support of Jacksonville Mayor Lenny […]

Phil AmmannSeptember 11, 2017

Telecommunications giant AT&T is giving another $1.4 million in relief toward “sustained recovery” efforts in Florida, Texas and the Caribbean after a pair of devastating hurricanes. The additional money will include $1 million in matching donations to Team Rubicon — a veteran-led nonprofit disaster response group — as well as $150,000 to Telecoms Sans Frontieres, […]

Phil AmmannSeptember 10, 2017

Ahead of a “potentially catastrophic” impact from Hurricane Irma, AT&T is offering ways for customers to stay safe and connected through the storm expected to touch South Florida sometime this weekend. Beginning Friday — and running through at least Sunday, Sept. 17 — AT&T is providing unlimited data, calls and texts via bill credits for wireless […]

Phil AmmannAugust 31, 2017

Florida volunteers have reached out to Texas in its time of need. The state’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, including hundreds of volunteers from the Sunshine State, are continuing disaster response efforts in Texas, rescuing hundreds of people trapped by floodwater in the Houston area. What was formally Hurricane Harvey — now downgraded to a […]

Phil AmmannAugust 31, 2017

Thursday, Florida’s University System Board of Governors reviewed its legislative budget requests for the 2018-19 fiscal year which will be sent for consideration by the governor and the Legislature. LobbyTools reports that requests for performance-based funding will increase by $100 million in state funds – totaling $690 million. The state and the institution’s investments would amount to […]

Phil AmmannAugust 30, 2017

To help assess the impact of Hurricane Harvey, ravaging the Gulf Coast since Saturday, AT&T will use a fleet of drones to get a better look at damage throughout Southeast Texas. Twenty-five drones, part of AT&T’s Network Disaster Recovery Team, will be used to inspect cell towers, helping assess the storm’s effect on the AT&T […]

Phil AmmannAugust 30, 2017

Tim Knowles, a founding member of the Florida Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs, is stepping down from the board of directors after two decades of service. The Alliance is a leading statewide group to help secure state funding for clubs working to create positive experiences for Florida children. Knowles is a 65-year-old Bradenton native […]

Phil AmmannAugust 29, 2017

With a tip of the hat to LobbyTools, here are the latest movements – both on and off – of the legislative merry-go-round. Off: Sean White is no longer listed as a legislative analyst in the Senate Majority Office. On: Angela Herndon became administrative support for the House Government Accountability Committee and its subcommittees (Local, Federal & Veterans Affairs; Natural Resources […]

Phil AmmannAugust 26, 2017

An Orlando entrepreneur is now demanding a jury trial in his suit against Attorney General Pam Bondi, in which he claims she forces businesses to donate millions of dollars to unregistered charities as part of settlements in consumer protection cases. John D. Smith, who invented Storm Stoppers plastic panels, marketed as a “plywood alternative” to protect windows during storms, […]

Phil Ammann
Image via AP

The Delegation for 9.14.17 — Insights from the Beltway to the Sunshine State

National Republicans hire new Florida state director

AT&T pledges $1.4M in Hurricane Irma relief

AT&T offering free coverage through Sept. 17 for Hurricane Irma

Florida Wildlife officers save hundreds trapped by Harvey floods, rescue continues

State University Board of Governors discuss 2018 budget, praise ‘remarkable progress’

AT&T deploying drones to assess Harvey damage

Personnel note: Tim Knowles stepping down from FL Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

Takeaways from Tallahassee — Back to court